USD students lobby lawmakers to spare financial aid

Even working two jobs, University of San Diego sophomore Maria Ruvalcaba said it would be a challenge to continue her studies if lawmakers go along with Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to cut financial aid to students attending private universities.

Ruvalcaba was one of more than a dozen private university students from the San Diego area making the trek to the Capitol Wednesday to lobby legislators to save the program from being tightly squeezed.

“I feel a lot more optimistic,” she said while waiting for a budget subcommittee to discuss the issue. “I feel like they are on our side. I feel like they want to help us.”

Sen. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, is standing with them. He went to the University of San Diego thanks to financial aid.

“These cuts can’t stand. They’re too deep,” he said. “It will prevent a lot of young people from fulfilling their dreams.”

With the state facing huge deficits, Brown has proposed cutting a number of programs, from the safety net for the poor to the financial aid program called Cal-Grants. He has called the proposals difficult but necessary to balance the budget.

The cut would be 44 percent. The maximum grant many currently receive is $9,708.

If that happens, said USD junior Kent Lee, he would find it hard to stay in school.

“I am so close to finishing it would be tough for it to end,” said Lee, a junior. Dropping out, he said, “would be a possibility.”

And that would come back to haunt the state if many are forced from classes, argued USD sophomore Sarah Padilla.

“We’re the ones who will graduate and contribute positively to the economy in the future,” Padilla said.

They were joined by Point Loma University students as well as administrators. About 200 walked the halls.

Addressing a rally, USD President Mary Lyons called the proposed cut unprecedented.

“This is the first time that the students with the greatest need are being asked to make the greatest sacrifice,” she said.

Assemblyman Marty Block, D-San Diego, told students: “I pledge to you I will fight the governor’s proposal ... We know we need to fund students first.”

But it will be tough for lawmakers to keep those promises given the state’s cash crunch. Final decisions are not expected until after revenue forecasts are released in May. And if voters reject proposed tax hikes on the November ballot lawmakers will be forced to rethink funding for many favorite programs.